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Abstract:

The present invention provides active ingredients and herbicide
formulations, as well as the production processes therefor. The active
ingredient of the invention is a dry, solid ammonium salt of glyphosate,
having high purity (95 to 100%) and low humidity (<1.0% m/m), and is
useful as "technical salt" for the preparation of dry, solid, and
water-soluble herbicide formulations of the invention. The production
process of said active ingredient comprises a solid/liquid/solid reaction
between a solid ammonium salt and solid glyphosate acid, both solid being
dispersed in an organic liquid medium. The products of the invention are
highly water-soluble and are useful for controlling crop weeds.

Claims:

1. A process for the preparation of solid salt of ammonium glyphosate
characterized by comprising a solid/liquid/solid reaction, wherein a
solid ammonium salt and a solid acid glyphosate are dispersed in a
organic liquid and thereby react to form the solid salt of ammonium
glyphosate.

2. The process according to claim 1, wherein said solid ammonium salt is
selected from the group consisting of ammonium carbonate, ammonium
hydrogen carbonate, and combinations thereof.

3. The process according to claim 1, wherein said organic liquid comprises
at least one alcohol having up to four carbon atoms.

4. The process according to claim 1, wherein after the reaction is
completed the product is separated from the organic liquid and is
obtained as solid, water-soluble product having purity equal to or
greater than 95% w/w.

5. The process according to claim 4, wherein said product is obtained as a
solid, water-soluble product having humidity equal to or lower than 1%
w/w.

6. The process according to claim 1, wherein the process is conducted at
room temperature without substantial heat formation.

7. (canceled)

8. A solid and water-soluble active ingredient comprising an ammonium salt
of glyphosate having purity equal to or greater than 95% w/w and a
humidity equal to or lower than 1%.

9. (canceled)

10. The solid and water-soluble active ingredient according to claim 8,
wherein said ammonium salt is selected from group consisting of ammonium
carbonate, ammonium hydrogen carbonate, and combinations thereof.

11. (canceled)

12. A solid and water-soluble herbicide formulation, comprising:at least
one ammonium salt of glyphosate having purity equal to or greater than
95% w/w; andat least one dry, solid adjuvant.

13. The solid and water-soluble herbicide formulation according to claim
12, wherein said adjuvant is an etoxylated fatty alcohol.

14. The solid and water-soluble herbicide formulation according to claim
13, wherein said etoxylated fatty alcohol has 16 to 18 carbon atoms.

15. (canceled)

16. The solid and water-soluble herbicide formulation according to claim
12, wherein said ammonium salt is the monoammonium salt of glyphosate.

17. (canceled)

18. A process for the preparation of a solid, water-soluble herbicide
formulation, comprising mixing:at least one ammonium salt of glyphosate
having purity equal to or greater than 95% w/w; andat least one dry,
solid adjuvant.

19. The process according to claim 18, wherein said solid ammonium salt is
the monoammonium salt of glyphosate.

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. A process for controlling weeds comprising the application, to the
plant culture to be protected, of an agrochemical comprising as active
ingredient the ammonium salt of glyphosate having purity equal to or
greater than 95% w/w.

23. (canceled)

24. A method for preparing an agrochemical for controlling weeds,
comprising adding to the agrochemical an active ingredient comprising the
ammonium salt of glyphosate having purity equal to or greater than 95%
w/w.

25. (canceled)

26. The process as claimed in claim 3, wherein said organic liquid further
comprises other alcohols and/or other organic solvents.

Description:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The present invention is related to agrochemicals and production
processes therefor. More specifically, the present invention discloses a
process for the production of a solid ammonium salt of n-phosphonomethyl
glycine ([HOOCH2NHCH2PO(OH)2].NH3, generally known as
ammonium salt of glyphosate, in high purity (95 to 100%) and low humidity
(<1.0% m/m), as an active ingredient of solid, and water-soluble
herbicide formulation. The production process of said active ingredient
comprises a solid/liquid/solid reaction between a solid ammonium salt and
solid glyphosate acid, both solid being dispersed in an organic liquid
medium. The thus obtained ammonium salt of glyphosate has low or zero
solubility in the liquid medium, therefore precipitating in said liquid
medium and thus allowing its separation in the form of a highly pure and
concentrated solid. The product of such reaction scheme is highly
water-soluble and can be used directly for controlling crop weeds and/or
as active ingredient for the preparation of agrochemical formulations
containing the ammonium salt of glyphosate. The preferred herbicide
formulations of the invention comprise said active ingredient and are
also solid and water-soluble.

RELATED PRIOR ART

[0002]Patent prior art relating to the subject-matter of the invention is
vast. However, none of the documents found in the art anticipates or
indisputably suggests the teachings of the invention, nor the skilled
person in the art would reach the invention or be motivated to combine
any of such documents so as achieve the teachings herein provided.

[0003]Glyphosate (n-phosphonomethylglycine) is known in the art as an
effective herbicide. Glyphosate is a poorly water-soluble organic acid,
and is typically commercialized in liquid or past form, or, when in its
water-soluble salt forms such as the isopropylamine salt, in formulations
comprising it. Several glyphosate salts, formulations, and production
processes therefor are available in the art. Examples include: Patents
U.S. Pat. No. 3,799,758; U.S. Pat. No. 4,405,531; U.S. Pat. No.
4,315,765; U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,250; U.S. Pat. No. 4,397,676; U.S. Pat.
No. 4,481,026; U.S. Pat. No. 4,140,513; Brazilian Patent PI 7201355; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,475,954; European Patent EP 568635; WO 9325081; WO 9007275;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,807; U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,572; European Patent EP
0321527; U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,944; Brazilian Patent Applications PI
0101302, PI 9810811, PI 9306732, and PI 9915566; WO 9702742; European
Patent EP 0448538; U.S. Pat. No. 6,274,156; European Patent EP 0853883;
and U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,269.

[0004]The most related prior art include the Brazilian Patent Application
PI 0013186, of Monsanto Company and entitled "Processo para obtencao de
uma pasta de glifosato de amonio processavel a jusante". Such document
discloses a process for the obtainment of ammonium salts of glyphosate.
The process consists of admixing ingredients so as to obtain a paste
which is then submitted to an extrusion process. The essential steps of
said process include the preparation of a downstream processable paste by
admixing:

[0005](i) particulated acid glyphosate;

[0006](ii) ammonia in a proportion of about 0.8 to about 1.25 mol by mol
of acid glyphosate; and

[0007](iii) water, in a proportion of about 10% to about 25% in weight of
all materials being admixed, thus causing the reaction of acid glyphosate
with ammonia. The reaction is exotermic and the generated heat provokes
partial evaporation of water so as to form an ammonium glyphosate salt
having about 5% to 20% of humidity. In said document, the ammonium source
may be aqueous or anhydrous ammonia, the latter being in liquid or
gaseous form.

[0008]Brazilian Patent Application PI 0312663, filed by Chinese inventors,
is entitled "Preparacao de Glifosato de Amonio Solido Usando Solvente
Organico em Extracao". Such document discloses a process for the
preparation of the ammonium salt of glyphosate by means of organic
solvent extraction in a gas/liquid/solid reaction scheme. Such process
consists in adding acid glyphosate and water in a reactor having
homogenizing means; introducing gaseous ammonia to the reactor so as acid
glyphosate reacts therewith and a solution of the ammonium salt of
glyphosate is formed by the end of the reaction; adding a water-soluble
organic solvent such as methanol or ethanol or formaldehyde so as to
decrease the solubility of the ammonium salt of glyphosate in the system,
thereby crystallizing it; and suction-filtering it, optionally drying it
so as to obtain a solid.

[0009]The Brazilian Patent Application PI 9205234-7 (equivalent to U.S.
Pat. No. 5,324,708), was filed by Alkaloida Vegyeszeti Gyar and is
entitled "Novos Sais de Mono-amonio Nao-higroscopicos". This application
was rejected and discloses monoisopropylamine salts of gluphosinate or
glyphosate, as well as processes for the production thereof. Herbicides
and methods for controlling weeds are described and claimed, but no
process is claimed. Said processes consist in the reaction of the
corresponding phosphinic or phosphonic acid, in solid form, in a reactor
containing liquid monoisopropylamine salt, also known as MIPA. The
reaction is therefore a solid/liquid/liquid reaction scheme. Several
disadvantages of said processes and of the corresponding products occur,
and include: the products are glufosinate or glyphosate MIPA salts, whose
dissolutions in water are highly exotermic, posing risks and difficulties
to the final user. Also, the use of MIPA in an industrial plant is highly
dangerous: beyond being highly toxic (MIPA is considered as IDLH
immediately dangerous to Life and Health), MIPA is also flammable. The
reaction between MIPA the phosphinic or phosphonic acid is also
exotermic, thus requiring sophisticated reaction controls in the
industrial processing and the corresponding costs.

[0010]The present invention provides, between other advantages, a new
solid dry and water-soluble active ingredient and agrochemical
formulations containing the ammonium salt of glyphosate. The active
ingredient of the invention is heretofore referred to as "technical
monoammonium salt of glyphosate", or simply "technical salt", which has a
purity of at least 95%, preferably 95.5%. The solid dry formulation
provides several advantages such as transportation economy and, most
importantly, substantial reduction in the capital and operating costs of
the corresponding industrial plant, as compared to other known
technologies for producing water-dispersible granules containing
glyphosate. These and other advantages of the invention will be
appreciated by the skilled persons.

[0011]In short, no document was found in the art specifically disclosing a
process for producing the ammonium salt of glyphosate in a
solid/liquid/solid reaction scheme between a solid ammonium salt and
solid acid glyphosate, these solids being dispersed in an organic liquid
medium. The present invention enables the obtainment of the ammonium salt
of glyphosate, which is insoluble in the reaction medium and thus allows
its direct isolation in the form a highly pure and concentrated salt.
Further, the equipments required for the process of the present invention
are much more simple and cheaper than those of similar processes known in
the art. The process of the invention also avoids using gaseous or liquid
anhydrous ammonia as ammonium cation source, therefore eliminating the
corresponding concerns regarding safety and environmental issues. These
and other disadvantages of the processes known in the art are overcome by
the process and products of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012]One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an
improved process for producing the ammonium salt of glyphosate in solid
form. The product of such process is another object of the invention, and
is useful as herbicide active ingredient of agrochemical formulations,
which in turn can be available in several forms such as combinations with
other herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and other pest control
formulations.

[0013]It is another object of the invention to provide a production
process which requires less capital and operational costs for producing
the ammonium salt of glyphosate.

[0014]It is another object of the invention to provide a safer production
process, since the process of the invention does not require the use of
toxic or dangerous consumables such as those of the processes known in
the art.

[0015]It is another object of the invention to provide a more
environmental-friendly production process, since the process of the
invention does nor require the use of toxic or dangerous consumables such
as those of the known process in the art, and most of the reagents are
reused and/or recycled during the process without producing large amount
of industrial waste.

[0016]In another feature of the invention, being therefore another of its
objects, the conditions of the process for obtaining the ammonium salt of
glyphosate circumvent the technical problem of heat generation, as occurs
with the processes known in the art.

[0017]In another feature of the invention, being therefore another of its
objects, the active ingredient which is a product of the invention is a
highly pure and concentrated ammonium salt of glyphosate in the solid
form, which is in contrast to the processes known in the art.

[0018]In another feature of the invention, being therefore another of its
objects, the active ingredient which is a product of the invention has
low water content, thus substantially reducing the technical problems and
costs for manipulation and transport, which is in contrast to the
processes known in the art.

[0019]Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved
process for preparing dry, solid and water-soluble herbicide formulations
comprising the ammonium salt of glyphosate.

[0020]Another object of the present invention is to provide highly pure
and improved herbicide formulations in the form of a water-soluble
powder, which is in contrast to the related products known in the art.

[0021]Another object of the present invention is to provide highly pure
and improved herbicide formulations in the form of water-soluble
granules, which is in contrast to the related products known in the art.

[0022]Another object of the present invention is to provide highly pure
and improved herbicide formulations in the form of water-dispersible
granules, which is in contrast to the more costly related products known
in the art.

[0023]These and other objects of the invention will be readily appreciated
by the skilled persons and by the industries in this technical field.
Further details are heretofore provided so as such skilled persons can
reproduce the invention.

[0025]FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of an
industrial scale process for producing the solid, dry and water-soluble
herbicide formulations in the form of powder comprising the ammonium salt
of glyphosate, where: two parallel Ribbon Blenders, in which the
technical salt and an ingredient "A" are homogenized; the mixture leaving
said Ribbon Blenders (1 and/or 2) is fed to a Jet Mill and subsequently
to a filter. The solid material leaving said filter is fed to the Ribbon
Blender 3, to which an ingredient "B" is also fed. The moisture leaving
Ribbon Blender 3 is a dry, solid and water-soluble herbicide formulation
comprising the ammonium salt of glyphosate at a concentration of 720 g/kg
(in weight based on the acid glyphosate). Such formulation is then
submitted to a packaging unit.

[0026]FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of another preferred embodiment of
an industrial scale process for producing the solid, dry and
water-soluble herbicide formulations in the form of granules comprising
the ammonium salt of glyphosate, where: the mixture leaving Ribbon
Blender 3 shown in FIG. 2 is fed to a gravimetric dosimeter and then to a
Pan Granulator, to which water is also fed; solid spheres of the
formulation are formed in the Pan Granulator, and said material is then
fed to a Dryer-Classifier; the solid residues formed in the Pan
Granulator and in the Dryer-Classifier are fed to a filter, so as said
solid material is recycled; the dry, solid spheres of the formulation
which are within the specifications leave the Dryer-Classifier as a
formulation comprising the ammonium salt of glyphosate in the form of
water-soluble granules having a concentration of about 720 g/kg (based on
the weight of acid).

[0027]FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of another preferred embodiment of
an industrial scale process for producing the solid, dry and
water-soluble herbicide formulations in the form of dispersible granules
(WDG) comprising the ammonium salt of glyphosate, where: the mixture
leaving Ribbon Blender 3 shown in FIG. 2 is fed to a gravimetric
dosimeter and then to a Kneader, to which water and an ingredient "C" are
also fed; the material leaving the Kneader is fed to an extrusion
equipment and then to Fluidized Dryer; the solid residues (powder and
small granules) formed in the Fluidized Dryer are fed to a filter, so as
said solid material is recycled; the dried dispersible granules (WDG)
leave the Fluidized Dryer and feed a Dryer-Classifier; the extruded
material which is not within the specifications is recycled; the extruded
material which is within the specifications leave the Dryer-Classifier in
the form of a WDG formulation with a concentration of 720 g/kg (in
weight, based in the acid).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028]The inventor, searching for alternative technical solutions for the
problems of the products and processes known in the art, developed an
improved process for producing the ammonium salt of glyphosate in the
form of a highly pure and concentrated solid.

[0029]In the present invention, all concentrations are indicated in %
weight/weight, except when specified in the contrary. The ammonium salt
of glyphosate is obtained in the present invention by the reaction
between a solid acid glyphosate (for example, in the form of humid or dry
cake, the latter being preferred) and solid, water-insoluble ammonium
salts, said solids reacting in a liquid organic medium consisting, under
room temperature (the reaction is not exotermic) and with constant
agitation until the reaction is complete. The reaction therefore occurs
in a solid/liquid/solid system. The thus obtained ammonium salt of
glyphosate is not soluble in the organic liquid medium and therefore
precipitates, thus allowing its easy isolation with high purity and
concentration. The product of the reaction, although being insoluble in
the organic liquid medium, is sufficiently water soluble so as to be
directly used as agrochemical and/or used as active ingredient for the
preparation of herbicide formulations containing the ammonium salt of
glyphosate. The thus obtained product (the ammonium salt of glyphosate)
is then isolated and optionally dried by classical methods. The remaining
liquid can be recycled for the next batch without any previous treatment
preferably up to about five cycles and then recovered by simple
destilation. The ammonium salts used in the process of the present
invention are, preferably, ammonium hydrogen carbonate and/or ammonium
carbonate. The organic liquid medium is a solvent in which the final
product has low or no solubility, being preferred in the invention
alcohols of up to four carbon atoms. The most preferred solvent is
ethanol, for its low cost, low toxicity and high availability. The
following examples illustrate, but are not intended to limit, some forms
of reducing the invention to practice.

Example 1

[0030]In a mechanically agitated reactor, 810.0 g of commercial ethanol
(96%) and 356.0 g of solid acid glyphosate 95.5% (2.00 moles) were fed.
Subsequently, 100.8 g of ammonium carbonate (1.05 moles) were fed and the
mixture was agitated under room temperature for about 30 minutes, so as
the reaction completes. The reaction can be simplified as follows:

2HOOCCH2NHCH2PO(OH)2+(NH4)2CO3→2[HOOC-
CH2NHCH2PO(OH)2]. NH3+H2O+CO2

[0031]The contents of the reactor were filtered and the solids dried until
constant weight. The remaining liquid (licquor) was reused for the next
batch. The process yielded 386.8 g of the ammonium salt of glyphosate,
having <1.0% w/w humidity and >95.5% purity.

Example 2

[0032]In a mechanically agitated reactor, 810.0 g of commercial ethanol
(96%) and 395.6 g of humid cake acid glyphosate 85.5% (2.00 moles) were
fed. Subsequently, 100.8 g of ammonium carbonate (1.05 moles) were fed
and the mixture was agitated under room temperature for about 30 minutes,
so as the reaction completes. The contents of the reactor were filtered
and the solids dried until constant weight. The remaining liquid
(licquor) was reused for the next batch. The process yielded 385.3 g of
the ammonium salt of glyphosate, having <1.0% w/w humidity and
>95.5% purity.

Example 3

[0033]The conditions of example 1 were repeated now using 810.0 g of
methanol 98%. The process yelded 385.5 g of the ammonium salt of
glyphosate, having <1.0% w/w humidity and >95.5% purity. The
results are similar to those using ethanol, but since methanol is
knowningly toxic, this raised enhanced concerns regarding occupational
health.

Example 4

[0034]The conditions of example 1 were repeated now using 162.0 g of
ammonium hydrogen carbonate (2.05 moles). The process yielded 385.2 g of
the ammonium salt of glyphosate, having <1.0% w/w humidity and
>95.5% purity. The results are similar to those using ammonium
carbonate, but in this case a higher specific consumption occurred
because of the altered stechiometric relation.

Example 5

[0035]The conditions of example 3 were repeated now using 162.0 g of
ammonium hydrogen carbonate (2.05 moles). The process yielded 385.5 g of
the ammonium salt of glyphosate, having <1.0% w/w humidity and
>95.5% purity. The results are similar to those using ammonium
carbonate.

Example 6

[0036]The process of the present invention was also tested in industrial
scale. Making reference to FIG. 1: the line (1) feeds tank (A) with
commercial ethanol (96%), while line (2) feeds solid acid glyphosate
95.5% to tank (A), which is kept agitated for homogeneity. Subsequently,
line (3) feeds the contents of tank (A) to reactor (B), which is also fed
by line (4) with ammonium carbonate. The mixture is homogenized under
room temperature for about 30 minutes until the reaction is complete. The
reaction occurring in reactor (B) can be described as follows:

2HOOCCH2NHCH2PO(OH)2+(NH4)2CO3→2[HOOC-
CH2NHCH2PO(OH)2]. NH3+H2O+CO2

[0037]The contents of reactor (B) is then filtered, and the resulting
liquid (licquor) containing alcohol is directly reused for the next batch
or optionally fed by line (7) to a recovery column (D). The final
product, the solid ammonium salt of glyphosate, is obtained in line (9)
and, after drying until constant weight, has <1.0% w/w humidity and
>95.5% purity. The yeld of this preferred embodiment of the invention
is >98%. It is worth noting, making reference to FIG. 1, that the
production plant is quite simple and does not require utitlities such as
vapor, cold water etc. The use of N2 for the control of the
atmosphere within the tank and reactor is recommended in some cases
(compliance to Brazilian rules). The gases formed in reactor (B) are
preferably treated in a condenser (C). The solvent recovery for reuse is
quite simple for any plant having heat sources such as vapor.

[0038]Table 1 shows a mass balance for the production plant of the
"technical salt" of the present example, where all lines of FIG. 1 are
again shown, together with the corresponding product and flow/mass.

[0039]The "technical salt" obtained in the present invention is an active
ingredient that can be used in several ways and formulations, including
those combining this active with other actives such as other herbicides,
fungicides etc. The inventor also developed new and improved herbicide
formulations containing the "technical salt" of the invention, said
herbicide formulations also being dry, solid and water soluble, as well
as developed processes for preparing said herbicide formulations. The
herbicide formulations of the invention comprise the "technical salt" of
the invention and at least one dry, solid adjuvant, optionally further
comprising inert compounds. The preferred adjuvants of the invention
comprise powdered etoxylated C16-C18 alcohols, the preferred inert
compound being ammonium sulphate. The herbicide formulations of the
invention may also optionally comprise stabilizers, the preferred
stabilizer being sodium sulphide.

[0040]As regards performance, the herbicide formulations of the invention
are equivalent to those available in the market, such as: MIPA salts (in
the form of water solution); diammonium salts in the form of water
solution; and WDG salts. The dry, solid surfactants that can be used in
the present invention are commercially available, the preferred being
selected from powdered etoxylated C16-C18 alcohols. The skilled in the
art of formulating herbicides will appreciate from the present teachings
that other surfactants or combinations thereof may also be used, provided
that achieving the corresponding technical requirements, that is, to
provide enhanced contact of the active ingredient with the plant surface
and/or enhance penetration in the plant. The preferred formulations of
the invention comprise 720 g/kg, in terms of acid glyphosate,
corresponding to 792.4 g/kg in terms of the "technical salt" or
monoammonium salt of glyphosate. The massic proportion of the preferred
formulations of the invention are described in table 2.

[0041]The monoammonium salt of glyphosate or "technical salt" used in the
herbicide formulations of the invention preferably has <1% w/w. The
herbicide formulations of the invention may also comprise other additives
such as thickers, antifoaming agents, umectants, colorants, dispersants
and combinations thereof.

[0042]The herbicide formulations of the invention can be easily dissolved
in water by the final user before use. The proper usage of the active
ingredient will depend of the plant species to be controlled. Typically
the usage is of about 90 to 360 g of glyphosate per hectare, as
calculated in terms of acid glyphosate.

[0043]In the following examples several processes for the preparation of
dry, solid herbicide formulations are provided, all comprising the high
purity "technical salt" of the invention.

Example 7

[0044]In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided an
industrial scale process for producing solid, dry and water-soluble
herbicide formulations in the form of powder comprising the ammonium salt
of glyphosate. Note that herbicide formulations in the form of powder
comprising the ammonium salt of glyphosate are nor known in the art.
Making reference to FIG. 2: two parallel Ribbon Blenders, in which the
dry, solid "technical salt" and an dry, solid adjuvant, preferably
powdered C16-C18 etoxylated alcohols, are homogenized; the mixture
leaving said Ribbon Blenders (1 and/or 2) is fed to a Jet Mill and
subsequently to a filter. The solid material leaving said filter is fed
to the Ribbon Blender 3, to which sodium sulphide and/or ammonium
sulphate is/are also fed. The moisture leaving Ribbon Blender 3 is a dry,
solid and water-soluble herbicide formulation comprising the ammonium
salt of glyphosate at a concentration of 720 g/kg (% in weight based on
the acid glyphosate). Such formulation is then submitted to a packaging
unit.

Example 8

[0045]In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided an
industrial scale process for producing the solid, dry and water-soluble
herbicide formulations in the form of granules comprising the ammonium
salt of glyphosate. Making reference to FIG. 3: the mixture leaving
Ribbon Blender 3 shown in FIG. 2 is fed to a gravimetric dosimeter and
then to a Pan Granulator, to which water is also fed; solid spheres of
the formulation are formed in the Pan Granulator, and said material is
then fed to a Dryer-Classifier; the solid residues formed in the Pan
Granulator and in the Dryer-Classifier are fed to a filter, so as said
solid material is recycled; the dry, solid spheres of the formulation
which are within the specifications leave the Dryer-Classifier as a
formulation comprising the ammonium salt of glyphosate in the form of
water-soluble granules having a concentration of about 720 g/kg (based on
the weight of acid).

Example 9

[0046]In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided
an industrial scale process for producing the solid, dry and
water-soluble herbicide formulations in the form of dispersible granules
(WDG) comprising the ammonium salt of glyphosate. Making reference to
FIG. 4: the mixture leaving Ribbon Blender 3 shown in FIG. 2 is fed to a
gravimetric dosimeter and then to a Kneader, to which water and an
adjuvant (surfactant, preferably etoxylated fatty amines) are also fed;
the material leaving the Kneader is fed to an extrusion equipment and
then to Fluidized Dryer; the solid residues (powder and small granules)
formed in the Fluidized Dryer are fed to a filter, so as said solid
material is recycled; the dried dispersible granules (WDG) leave the
Fluidized Dryer and feed a Dryer-Classifier; the extruded material which
is not within the specifications is recycled; the extruded material which
is within the specifications leave the Dryer-Classifier in the form of a
WDG formulation with a concentration of 720 g/kg (% in weight, based in
the acid).

[0047]The dry, solid herbicide formulations of the invention containing
the "technical salt" of the invention may also comprise other active
ingredients such as other herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and
combinations thereof. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate
from the teachings of the present invention that modifications on the
preferred embodiments herein provided can be envisaged by combining other
dry, solid adjuvants. Such alternative embodiments are to be deemed
within the spirit of the invention and of the scope of the appended
claims.

Patent applications in class Containing -C(=X)X-, wherein the Xs are the same or diverse chalcogens (e.g., N-phosphonomethylglycines, etc.)

Patent applications in all subclasses Containing -C(=X)X-, wherein the Xs are the same or diverse chalcogens (e.g., N-phosphonomethylglycines, etc.)